The role of nature relatedness for mental health and pro-environmental behavior in climate crisis

Abstract Climate crisis requires solutions that enhance both mental well-being and engagement in climate action. Nature relatedness has been proposed to promote climate action. However, experiencing climate distress and risks may negatively impact mental health, particularly for those who value and feel connected to nature. This study examines the relationships between nature relatedness (NR), climate worry (CW), climate change risk perceptions (CCRP), climate change experiences (CCE) and their effects on climate action (CA) and mental health. We performed preliminary structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses to examine these relationships in one model using standardized estimates (N = 3473). Direct findings reveal that individuals with stronger NR experienced more CW (0.33, p<.001), CCRP (0.32, p<.001), and CCE (0.38, p<.001). Higher NR (0.25, p<.001), CW (0.11, p<.001) or CCRP (0.31, p<.001) were associated with higher CA engagement. Individuals with higher CW and CCE experienced more depressive (CCE: 0.13, p=.03) and anxiety (CW: 0.21, p<.001; CCE: 0.14, p=.01) symptoms, whereas individuals with stronger NR experienced fewer depressive (-0.07, p=.004) symptoms. Mediation findings indicate that NR was associated with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms via higher CW and CCE. NR was associated with greater engagement in CA via higher CW and CCRP. Strong NR had a negative total effect on depression via higher CW, CCRP and CCE increasing CA engagement, which subsequently was associated with fewer depressive symptoms. NR may contribute to psychological adaptation to climate crisis by simultaneously promoting behavioral engagement and buffering mental health. Although NR was linked to increased mental health symptoms through CW and CCE, it may have an overall positive effect on mental health by motivating individuals to act addressing the climate crisis. Future studies are needed to confirm these results. Key messages • Nature relatedness may promote climate action engagement by alerting individuals to climate related risks and worry. • Nature relatedness may protect mental health from climate change related distress.